I have the 2502 stereo power amp and often wonder what is the correct output level to be setting for the devices that connect to the input of the power amp.
Axe FX iii has output meters that I generally watch and that gets me close.
Synergy Syn1 and Syn2 do not have any output metering.
Is there a general rule or any procedure that I could use to ensure the signal is not to hot coming into the 2502? Other than raising the input device’s output until a clip and then back it down?
Just looking to optimize the levels between the devices so that I maximize the volume output from the power amp while using the lowest power amp volume setting.
For me it has always been getting the loudest sound without any added audible clipping/distortion. That’s definitely something you have to listen for. The Fractal’s meters are more for the Fractal than for anything else. You may clip the Fractal’s input and output section before clipping occurs in another unit. The same goes for other internally metered processors. I would definitely say use your ears, there is a sweet spot for every power amplifier.
There is no hard set rule because everything you put into a rig is going to be slightly (or drastically in some cases) different. I hope this helps somehow.
Hello Terry. Thank you for the information. I have been indeed using my ears while bringing up the output level of whatever device is connected to the 2502 input.
For the Axe FX iii output meter, it happens to align with how much I am sending to the Fryette. Once it hits yellow consistently the level seems good and the 2502 doesn’t need to have its channel volume real high to get a great spl in the room.
The synergy docking station syn1 I have to use my ears. I just bring up the syn1 output level until it starts to sound undesirable and then back it down a bit. Usually the channel volume of the module at about noon and the syn1 doc master output at about 1 or 2.
It would be nice if the 2502 had an input meter. That would take some guesswork out and keep proper gain staging when using different input devices.
Either way it sounds like I am already doing what can be done.